Wildlife Conservation and Deforestation in Africa

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Transcript of Wildlife Conservation and Deforestation in Africa

Wildlife Conservation and Deforestation By Hope Dymond and Viktoria Sinani The Problem Many species native to Africa are being endangered and exterminated due to Over hunting Wildlife trade Loss of habitats Poaching Africa is experiencing a dramatic drop in total forest area. What area of Africa is Experiencing this Problem This mainly occurs in Middle Africa, wherever there is grasslandAngolaZimbabweNigeriaGuienAll these countries contain the savannas and forests that provide a home for the animals. These animals are in danger wherever they dwell. SHOCKING STATISTIC In Botswana, people have been given permission to sell ivory.

Poachers received a green light to export 43.6 tons of ivory by the end of the year.

This permission was given by the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species. History of the Problem Many elephants are poached for ivory because it is very valuable. SHOCKING STATISTIC In 1980 to 1990, the area of the forest cleared is equivalent to nearly three times the size of France!

Remember the black rhino? In 2011, the IUCN announced them extinct. Other rhino populations will disappear if nothing is done. In 2012, 2 rhinos were killed each day. This problem is happening faster than you think! Deforestation is sometimes caused by over grazing. That means cattle eats all the tiny and new trees . The farmers that are supposed to be watching the cattle are instead not monitoring what it's consuming. History of the Problem (cont.) Shouldn't they be the ones protecting the animals? Progress Some countries are making progress, but it only happens when economics becomes a factor. Progress Attempted solutions Attempted Solutions Zambia has banned the sport hunting of lions and leopards Botswana has banned all sport hunting Cheetahs and leopards are blinded by sharp thorn bushes can't hunt their natural prey, so they attack livestock and are killed by farmers. Ecologists are considering regulations to limit commercial logging, but funds are needed for further action. Attempted Solutions This means, sadly, that many endangered animals and forests must unnecessarily be destroyed before the Many people only care if there is an economical advantage (money) in it for them. problem is really considered. By cutting down the thorn bushes, the amount of cheetahs killed this way has decreased. Current Status Africa's animal populations and forests are decreasing at an alarming rate. From educating people that rhino horns are not medicine to creating bans on logging. People can talk all they want about helping Africa, but nothing can be done until we get the financial support to save the natural ecosystem of Africa! People in Asia use Rhino horn in a traditional medicine. The Rhino population has suffered because of this. Now there is illegal trade of Rhino horns in South Africa (The medicine is supposed to cure cancer and hangovers). History of the Problem (cont) History of Problem (Cont) It is also traditional to burn down forests for farming, but sometimes the fires get out of control and burn everything. Attempted Solutions Our Fate is in Your Hands